As part of their visit to Southern Africa, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor and Bishop Crispian Hollis are visiting Zimbabwe in fraternal support and solidarity with the Bishops and people of Zimbabwe as guests of the Zimbabwean Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

This pastoral visit, which started on 30th January 2008, seeks to build on the long-standing links and personal relationships between the Bishops and priests of the two countries. The Church is a sacrament of unity and the few days spent together in this country is evidence of the universality of the Catholic faith.

In addition to meetings with Archbishop Ndlovu and other Bishops, Mass will be celebrated at Harare Cathedral. There will also be visits to projects in support of the local Church in its mission. The Pontifical Mission Society has close links with the Church in Zimbabwe and is able to help in the support of the infrastructure of the local Church.

'Walking together with all those who suffer'

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor said: “I am happy to come in fraternal solidarity with the Bishops and people of Zimbabwe. I stand by them in their witness at this time of crisis. Walking together with all those who suffer is at the heart of our calling to offer pastoral care and support to the most vulnerable.

“This visit recognises the long-standing links between the Church in our two countries through which we hope to build a better future. We pray together with all in Zimbabwe and across Southern Africa.”

Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor and Bishop Hollis have travelled to Zimbabwe following a similar visit to Kwa-Zulu Natal at the invitation of Cardinal Napier, Archbishop of Durban, at which they met with the Bishops’ Conference of Southern Africa. They also visited Church projects in the province.